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SKETCHES 






FIFTEEN MEMBERS 



WORCESTER FIRE SOCIETY, 



BY 



ISAAC DAYIS. 



WORCESTER: 
PRINTED BY CHARLES HAMILTON, 

PALLADIUM OFFICE. 
1874. 






^»^n*«ftr 



In Exchange 
Amer. Ant. Soo. 

25 n mr 



ADDRESS BY HON. ISAAC DAYIS, 

At the QuAiiTEULY Meeting, April, 1874. 



The history of the Worcester Fire Society. is intimately 
connected with the history of Worcester, of Massachusetts, 
and the United States. Ten of its members have been 
Mayors of Worcester, three have been Governors of the 
State, three have been Speakers of the Honse of Represen- 
tatives, and many liave been Councillors, Senators and Rep- 
resentatives. Five have been judges of the Supreme Judicial 
Court, five have been judges of the Superior Court or Court 
(if Common Pleas, ten have been Members of Congress, and 
many liave held office under the United States Government, 
and one has been a Foreign Minister. 

This Fire Society, organized in 1793, was precisely like 
one formed by Benjamin Franklin, in the city of Philadel- 
phia, in 1735: — The number of mernbers limited to thirty, 
the same equipments, the same rules and regulations. No 
person could be admitted under thirty years of age, and 
none over sixty. The Fire Society in Philadelphia was in 
existence when this was formed. 

Governor Lincoln gave his reminiscences of the twenty- 
two original members in 1862. Eight years after, in 1870, 
a member of tliis society gave a written account of the next 



fifteen members. Both of these historic papers were pub- 
lislied by tliis society. Subsequently Judge Thomas, in his 
fascinating bmguage, gave a graphic biography of the next 
fifteen members, commencing with Governor Lincoln, and 
ending with Edward D. Bangs. The object of the present 
In'storic sketch is to give some account of the members from 
Edward I). Bangs to the oldest living member, all of whom 
have long since passed to the "spirit land." Among them 
were distinguished scholars, statesmen, lawyers and physi- 
cians, and five of them were graduates of Dartmouth College, 



SAMUEL JENNISON 

Was no ordinary man. He did not enjoy the advantages 
of a college education, still he became a learned man and a 
very able writer. Some of the choicest articles in periodical 
literature were from his pen. He was born in the town of 
Brookfield, in 1788, and at the age of twelve years came to 
Worcester to reside with his uncle, Hon. Oliver Fiske. In 
April, 1810, he was elected accountant in the Worcester 
Bank. In August, 1812, he was elected cashier of said Bank, 
and continued to hold the office and discharge the duties 
with promptness, fidelity and accuracy, for more than thirty- 
four years. During much of the time while he was cashier 
he was treasurer of the American Antiquarian Society^ treasu- 
rer of the State Lunatic Hospital, treasurer of the Worcester 
County Institution for Savings, treasurer of the town of 
Worcester, and clerk of the town, discharging all the duties 
of these offices, much of the time without any assistant. No 
irregularities were ever found in his accounts. He was one 
of the Council of the American Antiquarian Society, and 



was a member of many historical and literary societies. He 
was admitted a member of this Society in October, 1816, 
and remained an active member more than forty years, till 
his death, March 11th, 1860. 

Mr. Jennison was a modest, unassuming man, a gentleman 
in his deportment, a man of i-are taste and discrimination, 
and of wonderful executive talent. He would accomplish 
more business in a given time than any man I ever saw ; yet 
it was done quietly. He was loved and respected by all 
who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He wrote much 
in prose and verse ; his style was clear and lucid as a mirror. 
He gathered much valuable biographical material, part of 
which he passed over to the Rev. Dr. Allen just before the 
publication of the second edition of his Biograpliical Dic- 
tionary. Tlie hirgc remainder is now in possession of the 
American Antiquarian Society. 

REJOICE NEWTON 

Was born in Greenfield, October 18th, 1782. He was 
graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1807, and was a class-, 
mate of George Ticknor and Sylvanus Tluiyer. He com- 
menced the study of tlie law with Judge Newcomb, of 
Greenlield, and finished his studies in the office of Hon. 
Elijah H. Mills, of Northampton, in 1810. 

Mr. Newton then removed to Worcester, and formed a 
co-partnership in law with Hon. Francis Blake, which con- 
tinued till April, 1814. He was selected by the citizens of 
Worcester, in 1811, to deliver an oration on the fourth of 
July. This oration was published, and accelerated his rising 
fame. Soon after, he was appointed County Attorney, 



which -office he held for ten j^ears, when he resided the 
position. In 1825 he formed a co-partncrsliip in hiw with 
WiUiam Lincohi. His talents and capacity were appreciated 
hy his fellow citizens, and he was elected to the Honse of 
Representatives in Massachusetts, in t.lie years of 1829, 1830, 
and 1831, and a State Senator in 1834. He had great 
equanimity of character, and never lost or gained a case 
but the result was precisely what he expected. Hence he 
was perfectly satisfied wath the result of every case. He 
was honest, confiding and capable. He l^ecame a meml)er 
of this society in October, 1816, and remained an active 
member for forty-seven years, when his health became poor 
and he withdrew. He was long a member and ofiicer in the 
American Antiquarian Society. He died in Worcester, Feb- 
niary 4th, 1868. Major Newton married a sister of the 
late Governor Lincoln, and was a resident in Worcester for 
more than half a century. He was honored with important 
and responsible positions in the military, legislative, and 
executive departments of the government of the State ; all 
the duties pertaining to these offices he discharged with 
ability and fidelity, and to the entire satisfaction of his 
constituents. 

SAMUEL M. BURNSIDE. 

His ancestors were Scots. He was a son of Thomas 
Burnside, and was born in Northumberland, New Hamp- 
shire, July 18th, 1783. His education was at the common 
schools in New Hampshire, except nine months at an 
academy, preparatory to his entering Dartmouth College. 

After he was graduated from college, in 1805, he took 



charge of Pi Female Academy in Andover, Mass., for two 
years. He read law with Hon. Artemas Ward, so long 
Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He was 
admitted to practice in 1810, commenced the practice of the 
law in the Spring of 1810, in the town of Westborough, in 
this County, and removed to Worcester in the autumn of 
the same year. He married the daughter of Judge Foster 
of Brooktield. 

Mr. Burnside was a well read lawyer, and it is no dispar- 
agement to any lawyer of the Worcester Bar to say that 
none excelled him in his extensive knowledge of the law. 
He was also well posted in theology, and took a deep inter- 
est in our public schools. He was trustee in Leicester 
Academy, and for many years was a member of the School 
Committee of Worcester, a member of the American Anti- 
quarian Society, and one of the Council of said Society at 
the time of his death. He delivered an able address before 
the schools of Worcester in 1826, and represented the town 
in the Legislature the same year. In 1831 he was selected 
by the citizens of Worcester to deliver an oration on the 
fourth of July, wdiich was considered a very able pro- 
duction. He was admitted to this society in January, 1817, 
and remained an active member for thirty-three years. He 
died in Worcester, July 25th, 1850, much respected by a 
large circle of friends. 

Mr. Burnside was a good classical scholar, an upright and 
honored citizen, and a kind christian gentleman. 

REUBEN WHEELER 

Was a member of this society from 1817 to 1822. He 
came from Rutland, where he was born, to Worcester, to 



8 

execute tlie purposes of certain members of the Fire Society, 
who had become convinced that the business of tanriing was 
very profitable. They raised thirty thousand dollars to put 
into the business — Mr. Wheeler was superintendent and 
manager — a large yard was built on Market street, the 
largest in the county — Mr. Wheeler built a spacious house 
on the corner of Main and Thomas streets, and business 
went on swimmingly for five or six years, Mr. Wheeler 
always assuring the proprietors that the business was very 
profitable. Some of the proprietors having had no dividends 
for several years, succeeded in raising a committee to investi- 
gate the affairs of the company, wlien it turned out that the 
concern was bankrupt. It was a South Sea bubble on a 
small scale. Wheeler left town, and the tannery rotted 
down. '•'•Sic transit gloria mundir 



BENJAMIN F. HEYWOOD 

Was the son of Hon. Benjamin Heywood, of Worcester, 
who was judge of the Court of Common Pleas for nine years. 

Benjamin F. was born in Worcester, April 24th, 1792, 
and graduated at Dartmouth College, in the class of 1812. 
He attended the medical lectures at Dartmouth College, and 
at Yale College, and took his degree of M.D. at Yale, in 
1815. He formed a co-partnership with Dr. John Green, in 
the practice of medicine, which existed for twenty years. 
Dr. JSej'wood was councillor and censor in the Massachusetts 
Medical Society, and became a member of the Societj^ of 
Cincinnati in 1859, in the right of his father, who was an 
original member. As a physician he was very popular 
among his patients. He had the confidence of his fellow 



9 

citizens, being repeatedly elected to both branches of the 
City Government. His manners were pleasant and agree- 
able — a man of good judgment and sound discretion. He 
was admitted a member of this society July, 1817, and 
remained an active member for more than fifty-two jxars, 
till his death, December 7th, 1869. 

Dr. Heywood married for his first wife, and also for his 
second wife, sisters of Dr. John Green. He was a skillful 
physician, a good citizen, honorable in his dealings ; a man 
of few words, kind and courteous, honored and respected by 
those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 

ABIJAH BIGELOW 

Was born in Westminster, county of Worcester, Dec. 5th, 
1775. He was graduated at Dartmouth College, in the 
class of 1795, studied law, and was admitted to practice in 
1798, and opened an office in the town of Leominster, served 
the town as town clerk for five consecutive years, was twice 
elected by his fellow citizens a member of the General 
Court of Massachusetts, and was elected a member of Con- 
gress in 1810, and held the position till 1815. 

Mr. Bigelow removed to Worcester in 1817, was elected a 
member of the American Antiquarian Society, and a trustee 
of Leicester Academy. From 1817 to 1833 he held the 
oflBce of Clerk of the Courts in the County of Worcester. 

In 1838 he was appointed Master in Chancery for the 

county of Worcester. He held the olfice of Justice of the 

Peace for about fifty years. He was admitted to this society 

about a year after he was appointed Clerk of the Courts, to 

wit, in 1818, and continued a member till 1818, when he 

2 



10 

withdrew from tlie society. In tlie evening of his life he 
devoted nnicli of his time to horticulture, agriculture, litera- 
ture and poetry. Some of his choice poetical productions 
are in print. He died in Worcester, April 5th, I860, at the 
ripe old age of eighty five years, and is well remembered hy 
most of the living members of this society. 

JOHN MOWER 

Was a son of Ebenezer Mower of Worcester; he received 
his education at the common schools and at Leicester Acade- 
my. He entered the mercantile business, and opened a store 
on the corner of Main and Thomas streets. He married 
Dolly Chamberlain, a daughter of William Chamberlain. 
He was a bright, intelligent and well educated young man ; 
w^as popular with the young men of the place, and especially 
with the young lawyers. 

Soon after he was twenty-one years of age, high sheriff 
Ward appointed him deputy slieriff for the county, and for 
years, by the prompt and able manner in which he dis- 
charged his duties, he did a larger business than any other 
officer in the county. He was a member of this society less 
than a year, when he emigrated to the South, and died at 
Fort Gibson, Mississippi, April 15th, 1828. 

SAMUEL WARD 

Was born in Guilford, Vermont, June 9th, 1793. He 
was educated by his uncle, Capt. Ward, of Lancaster ; came 
to this place when a young man, and married into one of the 
oldest and most respectable families of Worcester. 

He was admitted to tliis society in 1819, and remained an 



11 

active member for eleven years. In the military department 
of the government he was deeply interested. At this time 
every able-bodied citizen, between the ages of eighteen and 
forty-five years, was ol)liged to perform military duty at least 
five days in each year. Worcester, then with a population 
of little more than three thousand, had full and well disci- 
plined companies of artillery, cavalry, riflemen, and two 
very large companies of infantry. Mr. Ward took great 
pleasure in military affairs, and was ambitious to excel and 
become a good disci pliiiarian ; and he succeeded remarkably 
well. He was promoted from one position to another, till 
he was finally elected Colonel of the Sixth Regiment. 

The next morning after he was promoted from Major to 
the office of Colonel, he was walking down Main street, in 
his most dignified manner, very straight — a little more than 
perpendicular, when Israel Whitney, who wanted to see 
him on business, called out, "Major Ward !" Ward walked 
on. Whitney called a second time, louder, "Major Ward !" 
No attention was paid to the call. He called a third time, 
^'■Colonel Ward !^^ Ward turns immediately and walks 
towards Whitney, and says, "Good morning, Mr. Wliitney. 
I am glad to see you. I did not hear you the first tiao 
times you called ! " 

Colonel Ward was a gentleman in his manners, intelligent, 
kind and courteous ; prompt, energetic and faithful in the 
discharge of his duties, and agreeable and entertaining in 
conversation. He died in Boston, March 1st, 1842. 

SAMUEL HATHAWAY 

Came to Worcester in the early part of this century, from 
the town of Taunton, in this State. He became the own-r 



12 

of the Central Hotel, on Main street, standing where the 
Bay State House now stands. At that time there was a 
large farm connected with the hotel, and Mr. Hathaway 
carried on the farm and kept the liotel. He was admitted 
to this society in 1819, and remained an active member as 
long as he lived. 

The society frequently held its meetings at his hotel, 
where the members were always -sure of having good fare. 

About 1823 Samuel Hathaway sold out his estate on Main 
street, purchased a farm at Washington Square, and built a 
hotel. His farm included all the land occupied by tlie 
Boston & Albany Railroad, and on both sides of Grafton 
street. He became a wealthy man, and built for himself a 
house on Front street, retired from business, and died in 
Worcester, March 16th, 1831, much respected by his fellow 
citizens. Mr. Hathaway was a man of good common sense, 
fond of wit and anecdote, very pleasant and agreeable in 
conversation, and was willing to give and take a joke in a 
pleasant and agreeable manner. 

WILLIAM EATON 

Was a lineal descendant from the first settlers of Wor- 
cester. His influence with his fellow citizens was seldom 
surpassed. For twelve years, from 1810 to 1830, he was 
elected one of the selectmen of the town of Worcester. 
For ten years he represented the town in the Legisla- 
ture of Massachusetts. He held office under the United 
States Government in the war of • 1812. For many 
years he was one of the County Commissioners for 
the county of Worcester, and for many years a deputy 



13 

sheriff within and for said county. All the duties of these 
various offices he discharged with kindness and ability. He 
was a man of strict integrity, upright and honorable in all 
business transactions, and commanded the respect and es- 
teem of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He 
was a member of this society for thirty-three years. He died 
in Worcester, May 4:th, 1859, at the age of ninety-three. 
His daughter now owns and occupies the estate on the 
west side of Main street, where Mr. Eaton resided most of 
his lifetime. 

Very few men have lived in Worcester who understood 
the workings of the human mind among the masses better 
than William Eaton. Hence he never was at loss to know 
how to approach a man and control him under an}^ circum- 
stances. His gentle and kind manner enabled liim to exert 
a powerful influence over his fellow citizens. This was 
the secret of his great power among the people. 

GEORGE A. TRUMBULL 

Was born in Petersham, in 1798. He removed to Wor- 
cester and opened a book store on the site on the west side 
of Main street where the house of Harrison Bliss now 
stands. His agreeable manners attracted customers to his 
store, and he had a lucrative business for ten years, till he 
sold out his stock and store to Clarendon Harris. 

He was elected cashier of the Central Bank in 1829, and 
held the office till 1836, when he resigned, and was chosen 
cashier of the Citizens Bank. He held this office for 
eighteen years, when he resigned, and his son-in-law was 
elected in his place. Mr. Trumbull wrote a beautiful hand, 



14 

was a good aecoimtant (never any irregularities in his 
accounts), strictly honest, easy and agreeable in his manners, 
a gentleman in his deportment, modest and retiring, always 
declining any public office offered him by his fellow citizens, 
and always had al)OUt him a large circle of warm friends. 
He was a member of this society for eleven years. Few 
men have lived in Worcester more respected than George A. 
Trumbull. He was the father of a large family, and moved 
in the first society in Worcester, lived in a house situated on 
what is now called Truml)ull Square, and now occupied by 
Mrs. Trumbull, which was occupied by his father before he 
came into possession of it." 

JOHN W. HUBBARD 

Was a relative of Rev. Samuel Austin, D.D., so long the 
pastor of the Old South Church. Dr. Austin adopted him 
and gave him his education. In 1811, at the age of seven- 
teen years, he was selected by the Federal Party to deliver 
a fourth of July oration at Worcester, which was ju'inted. 
His production was well received and gave him character for 
talent and ability. He was born in Brookfield, Vermont, 
in 1794, and graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1814, in 
the same class %vith the famous Thaddeus Stevens and Gov- 
ernor Dinsmore ; studied law with Governor Van Ness, of 
Vermont and Samuel M. Burnside, of Worcester, was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in Worcester County in 1817, and prac- 
ticed law in Worcester till his death, September 19th, 1825. 
Mr. Hubbard possessed a well cultivated mind, clear and dis- 
criminating, and had an extensive practice. He formed a 
co-partnership in law with the late Judge Kiunicutt, but 



15 



lived only a few weeks after the co partnership was formed. 
He was a member of this society only four years. Mr, 
Hubbard owned and occupied an estate on Main street, 
including some ten or fifteen acres of land on each side of 
Austin street. He was a gentleman in his manners, upright 
and honest in business transactions, energetic and persevering 
in his profession ; an able and well read lawyer. 

OTIS CORBETT 

Was a native of Milford, came to Worcester in the early 
part of this century, and opened a jeweli-y store on the west 
side of Main street, opposite Mechanics Hall, where he 
acquired a very snug property in his business. He was 
much respected by his fellow citizens, and was elected a 
representative to the General Court from Worcester in the 
years 1824, '26, '27, '28, '30 and '31. He was also chosen 
one of the selectmen of Worcester in the years 1825, '26 
and '29. In May, 1829, he was chosen cashier of the Cen- 
tral Bapk, and resigned the ofiice in the autumn of the same 
year. Mr. Corbett remained an active member of this 
society for twenty-seven years. He was a man of stern 
integrity, strictly honest, and commanded the confidence of 
all who knew him intimately. For many years he was one 
of the trustees of the Worcester Academy, and took a deep 
interest in the public schools of Worcester, and was for 
many years a member of the School Board. 

Mr. Corbett owned and occupied a house on Front street, 
where the meeting house of Dr. Cutler now stands, for 
twenty years. He then became the owner of the house on 
High street, where Deacon Upham now lives. Here he 



16 

lived until his death, February 6th, 1868. Mr. Corbett re- 
ceived his education in the common schools, still he was 
better educated than many who had received a collegiate 
education. A man of sound judgment, discreet and honest, 
kind and courteous, and a wise counsellor. 

CHARLES WHEELER 

Was a son of Theophilus Wheeler, so long Register of 
Probate for the county of Worcester. He was born in 
Worcester, August 10th, 1793 ; was educated a merchant 
and kept a store for many years, on the east side of Main 
street, in the modern building next north of the Wheeler 
mansion. He was somewhat eccentric in his character, had 
no fondness whatever for womankind, and always lived a 
bachelor. He was very modest in his deportment, and 
strictly honest in all his dealings. He was admitted a 
member of this society July, 1823, and withdrew from it in 
April, 1826, and died in Worcester, March 6th, 1827. 

SAMUEL B. THOMAS, 

While he resided in Worcester, was a portly, polite and 
pleasant landlord. He succeeded Col. Reuben Sikes, one of 
the founders of the first line of stages from Boston to New 
York, as the proprietor of the public house on Main street, 
now called the Exchange Hotel. It may not be inappro- 
priate to mention here, that all the fuel that Capt. Thomas 
used for heating his hotel for years, was Worcester anthra- 
cite coal, procured at two dollars a ton. This coal was 
found in the northeasterly part of the city, where there is an 
abundance, when the enterprise of citizens shall develop it. 



17 

He was admitted to this society in October, 1824, and 
after liis admission the society held its quarterly meetings at 
his hotel. The fare was crackers and cheese, ham, or tongue, 
and wine, and each member paid twenty-five cents for his 
entertainment. At the annual meetings a sumptuous supper 
was provided, with wines and liquors, and the charge was 
one dollar for each member. 

Of course Capt. Thomas was a popular member, and 
remained an active member for sixteen years, until his death. 

He was born in Brooktield in 1779, and died in Worcester, 
April 24:th, 1840. Capt. Thomas was pleasant and agree- 
able in his manners, popular with his fellow citizens, and 
was chosen a representative to the General Court, from 
Worcester, in 1834, and had many warm admirers. 

Gentlemen of the Society: 

In obedience to a request of j'our Committee on Publica- 
tion, I have hastily drawn up these historic sketches of the 
fifteen members of the Society next preceding the oldest 
living membei-. If I have been so fortunate in my sketchts- 
as to meet the approval of the members of the society, I 
shall feel myself amply compensated for the labor of gath- 
ering facts from history, and from the records of towns and 
counties, and taxing the recollections of our venerable citi- 
zens, in order to accomplish the object requested of me l>y 
the Committee. 

ISAAC DAVIS. 
WoHCKSTKK, April, 1874. 



LBJa'IO 







-^^^ 



SKETCHES 



OF 



FIFTEEN MEMBERS 



OF THE 



WORCESTER FIRE SOCIETY. 



